Virology Serology CLIA Laboratorian

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

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Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Microbiologist I

Opening Date: October 13, 2026

Closing Date: October 26, 2026  

Job Class Code: 4215  

Grade: 19 (04)   

Salary: $21.87 - $30.31 per hour*

*This is inclusive of a 5.5% recruitment and retention stipend

Position Number: 02000-1964

Location: Augusta, ME

This position allows for partial telework with management approval.

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Job Description:

The Maine CDC’s Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) is looking for a laboratorian to join our virology, serology and sexually transmitted disease (STI) testing section. You will perform testing on specimens for respiratory viruses, vaccine preventable disease viruses, vectorborne viruses, and sexually transmitted infections using techniques such as real-time PCR, nucleic acid extraction, and various serologic methods. You will have the education and experience to fulfill the duties outlined in the § 493.1495 Standard; Testing personnel responsibilities of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Law.

You will also:

•        Participate in annual biosafety, chemical safety and ethics trainings

•        Follow testing standard operating procedures and monitor QA/QC metrics associated with testing

•        Perform proficiency testing to maintain competency in laboratory methods

•        Assist the section supervisor with validating new assays

•        Perform other duties as assigned for the continuance of laboratory operations

Minimum Qualifications: A Bachelor’s Degree with specialization in microbiology -OR- an acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training.

Preferred candidates will also have:  

•        Professional certification such as ASCP, MLT, or MT.

•        Knowledge and experience with real time PCR and serology.

•        Knowledge and experience with federal laboratory guidelines such as CAP and/or CLIA. 

•        A working knowledge of a laboratory information management system (LIMS) and the ability to use Microsoft Office software

•        Have the education and experience to fulfill the duties outlined in the 42 CFR § 493.1489 - Standard: Testing personnel qualifications and 42 CFR § 493.1495 - Standard: Testing personnel responsibilities  sections of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Law

•        Have the education and experience to fulfill the duties outlined in Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) Fees; Histocompatibility, Personnel, and Alternative Sanctions for Certificate of Waiver Laboratories (CMS-3326-F); Published 12/28/2023, Effective 1/27/2024 Personnel updates effective 12/28/2024.

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Agency information:

TheDepartment of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.

Application Information:

For questions about this position, please contact Trevor Rivard atTrevor.Rivard@Maine.gov

Please submit all documents or files in PDF format.

To request a paper application, please contact Mandy Hernandez at Mandy.Hernandez@Maine.gov

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using13 paid holidays and3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. When you or immediate members of your family are ill, utilize12 days of sick leave per year.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60 - $13,650.48 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participationdecreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value). 
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.06% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit theFederal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in aMaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn aboutadditional wellness benefits for State employees from theOffice of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.